Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com I came across the concept of manifestation relatively recently. My ignorance might have something to do with the fact that as a medical practitioner I value empirical evidence over blind faith. My friends are aware of my scepticism when it comes to anything remotely woo and tend to exclude me…… Continue reading How I manifested a book deal (or did I?)
Tag: Reflection
Guest interview on thriving in the ‘liminal space’ between submission and publication
Screenshot of my guest interview at http://www.karenhollands.com.au There are many blog series which feature published authors and how they managed to scale the publishing heights, but few focus on writers in the midst of the struggle. Many of us fear being labelled failures or no-talent wannabes if we open up about rejections, and we suffer…… Continue reading Guest interview on thriving in the ‘liminal space’ between submission and publication
What if you never get that book published?
Photo by Felipe Cespedes on Pexels.com When Kate Mildenhall asked Tony Birch what he’d change about the publishing industry on the always fabulous First Time Podcast recently, he responded with the wish that publishers would take more chances on debut writers, making the observation that it can be soul-destroying to write a novel that never…… Continue reading What if you never get that book published?
How to write through rejection and silence
Bouddi National Park A good friend and glorious writer admitted this week to being ‘at sea’ with her writing. Traditionally published with no shortage of accolades or experience, she is currently pitching her new novel—her baby—to agents and publishers. And so far she’s had to deal with several rejections and worse: silence. In an attempt…… Continue reading How to write through rejection and silence
Self-confidence is a decision
Photo by Jeffrey Czum on Pexels.co When you set your sights on traditional publication, at every stage of the process your success relies on convincing others of your worth: agents, publishers, reviewers, readers. You are constantly seeking external validation. And most of the time, when hundreds apply for every opportunity, that validation is not forthcoming.…… Continue reading Self-confidence is a decision
Small acts of validation: the importance of connecting with readers
Photo by Immortal shots on Pexels.com The business of being a writer is inherently disappointing if your mark of success is achieving traditional publication or winning prizes. Although many of us harbour these desires, these glittering goals, the reality is that few writers, even successful ones, end up collecting a pile of accolades. Or sales.…… Continue reading Small acts of validation: the importance of connecting with readers
Avoiding burnout as a writer
When you decide to take writing seriously—to work towards making it a career rather than a hobby—the self-applied pressure can be enormous. Advice flows freely from successful writers: write every day, publish or perish, engage on social media, rejections are fuel. When you come to writing later in life it can feel like you’ve started…… Continue reading Avoiding burnout as a writer
Taking stock: the importance of reflecting on the writing journey
Social media feeds display a carefully curated view of other people’s lives. It’s easy to become bogged down in the extraordinary achievements of Twitter friends, and feel that you’re floundering. Left behind on the slush pile while others forge ahead with their brilliant literary careers. In view of that feeling, and a few recent rejections…… Continue reading Taking stock: the importance of reflecting on the writing journey
Lisa Kenway 